The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued new MOT advice after initially telling drivers in self-isolation to not take their vehicle to be MOT tested.
It has now issued the following statement saying “people should stay at home and avoid travel unless absolutely essential. The only reasons you should leave your house are set out in the Government guidance".
It continued: “The Department for Transport is urgently looking at MOT testing for cars, motorcycles and light vans in light of the current situation and will provide an update shortly. Annual tests for lorries, buses and trailers have already been suspended for up to three months.”
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It had previously told Fleet News that if the MOT expires during a period of self-isolation, drivers can make an application to SORN their car or van and apply for an MOT test once their period of self-isolation is over.
Garages are currently on the exemption list for businesses that must close. Some garages will remain open for now and will be providing 'critical services' to cars and vans due for MOT, for the time being.
The news follows the announcement of the suspension of MOTs for lorries, buses and trailers for three months from last Friday (March 20).
Lorries and trailers due for test in the suspension period will be issued with exemptions automatically. Some vehicles, such as those due for their first MOT test and vehicles returning to service with a test certificate that expired before March, will require an application for exemption certificates.
Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said: “These are unprecedented times that need creative and pragmatic new approaches.
“It is vital that all vehicles on our roads remain safe to use and their roadworthiness must be maintained at all times. Routine testing is a vital part of our safety culture and we believe it should be restored as soon as possible.”
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Jessica is event and digital content co-ordinator for all our events.
She was the web producer at Fleet News, Commercial Fleet and Smart Transport until April 2023.
She started her career as a content writer for a digital marketing agency that specialised in financial services, where she worked for more than two years.
Jessica was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Multimedia Journalism in 2017.
ian McGuone - 24/03/2020 18:16
I am a District Nurse and see patients in their own homes so need a car to get around. My MOT runs out on 28/03 and was booked in for 27/03 but I have now been tod that this is cancelled. Will I be allowed to use my car without fear of being arrested